How Does a Home Inspection Work?

If you’re preparing to sell your home, buy a new home, or want to learn more about how to maximize your investment in your home or property, it’s time to start thinking about a home inspection.

A professional home inspection is a granular evaluation of a home conducted by a trained inspector. It assesses key components of the home such as the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling mechanisms, insulation, and more. Home inspections are critical for home buyers as they help identify hidden defects or issues that need addressing before sealing a real estate deal. For example, major issues with the foundation or roof of the property could impact the price or lead to necessary repairs before finalizing the purchase.

Home inspectors can identify health and safety hazards like ventilation problems, mold, or toxic substances. Regular inspections can help detect early problems before they become costly repairs or endanger the occupants’ health and safety.

Professional home inspections offer multiple benefits for homebuyers and homeowners, assisting them in making informed decisions about their investments. For those in the process of buying or selling a property, home inspections helps to reduce uncertainty and ensure a fair price for both buyer and seller. Ultimately, home inspections are essential in providing homeowners with peace of mind and maintaining the value and function of their property over time.

What to Expect During a Home Inspection

During a home inspection, a licensed inspector will evaluate the condition of the property and provide a comprehensive report of their findings. Here are some things to expect during a typical home inspection:

  • Exterior Inspection: The inspector will look for any visible damage, including cracks or settling of the foundation, leaks in the roof, and the condition of the siding.
  • Interior Inspection: The inspector will assess the condition of the walls, flooring, ceilings, windows, and doors. They’ll also check the electrical systems and plumbing.
  • Roof Inspection: The inspector will inspect the roof’s condition, looking for any signs of damage, leaks, or aged shingles.
  • Attic Inspection: The inspector will also examine the insulation, ventilation, and framing in the attic.
  • Basement and Crawl Space Inspection: The inspector will assess the condition of the foundation and look for any signs of moisture or dampness.
  • Heating and Cooling Inspection: The inspector will evaluate the furnace, air conditioning unit, and ductwork.
  • Electrical Inspection: The inspection will evaluate the electrical panel, wiring, and other components to ensure they are functioning correctly.
  • Plumbing Inspection: The inspector will check for leaks, corrosion, and damage to pipes, fixtures, and water heaters.

It’s essential to be present during the home inspection to ask any questions and ensure that you fully understand the inspector’s findings. After the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report outlining their findings and recommendations to address any issues discovered. By knowing what to expect during a home inspection, you can be confident that your home is safe, and any issues are addressed early.

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Preparing for a home inspection is crucial before putting your property on the market or completing a real estate transaction. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a home inspection:

  • Provide Easy Access to Utilities: Make sure that water, gas, and electricity are connected and turned on. The inspector will need to test the plumbing and electrical systems by running appliances such as dishwashers, air conditioning units, heating systems, and water heaters.
  • Ensure Easy Access to All Areas of the Home: Make sure there is access to the attic, basement, electrical outlets, and mechanical systems. Move any stored items that may block access to these areas.
  • Make Sure All Light Fixtures Are Working: The inspector will need to test light fixtures to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs to avoid any issues with accessibility to areas of the property.
  • Make Sure Smoke Detectors are Operating: Smoke detectors should be in good working order to avoid detection from the inspector, making the process incomplete.
  • Provide Documentation of Repairs: If there has been recent upkeep or repair work in the home, have the documentation readily available for the inspector to review.

Preparing for a home inspection is worthwhile to ensure accurate results. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that the inspection goes as smoothly as possible and improve the likelihood of a positive result.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Home Inspector

Hiring a professional home inspector, such as Towne & Country Building Inspectors of Milwaukee, can provide multiple benefits for homebuyers and homeowners. Home inspectors have specialized knowledge and training in construction and building codes, allowing them to identify any structural, electrical, or plumbing issues. They offer an unbiased opinion, providing objective assessments of the property’s condition, which can uncover any major or minor defects. Hiring a home inspector can make homes safer for occupants by identifying potential safety hazards such as radon, carbon monoxide, and lead paint.

By providing an accurate and comprehensive assessment of the property, home inspections can help buyers and homeowners make informed decisions while buying or selling a property, also assuring that the investment is worth it. In turn, this inspection improves the transparency of the transaction and could lead to a reduced selling price or the home buyer’s negotiation in reparation before listing the final buying price. Home inspection saves buyers and homeowners in the long run by being proactive in maintaining their property for years to come, preventing costly repairs and unsafe living arrangements. Overall, hiring a professional home inspector is a great investment to protect and ensure what is likely going to be the most significant investment of a homebuyer’s or homeowner’s lifetime.

Ready to get started with your Milwaukee home inspection? Contact Towne & Country today!

Milwaukee Home Inspector | Scot McLean

By Scot McLean, owner of Towne & Country Building Inspection. Scot is a highly experienced licensed home inspector and radon measurement provider with over 20 years of service in Wisconsin. He held the past presidency of the Milwaukee chapter of WAHI (Wisconsin Association of Home Inspectors) and is an active member of both the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation and the Wisconsin Historical Society. Scot also carries certifications from the American Society of Home Inspections (ASHI) and the National Radon Proficiency Program (NRPP). Get your project inspected by a professional – contact Towne & Country today.